having the nature of an epigram; terse, witty, etc.
Also ˌepigramˈmatical
Derived forms
epigrammatically (ˌepigramˈmatically)
adverb
Word origin
L epigrammaticus < Gr epigrammatikos
epigrammatic in American English
(ˌepɪɡrəˈmætɪk)
adjective
1.
of or like an epigram; terse and ingenious in expression
2.
containing or favoring the use of epigrams
Also: epigrammatical
Derived forms
epigrammatically
adverb
epigrammatism (ˌepɪˈɡræməˌtɪzəm)
noun
Word origin
[1695–1705; ‹ L epigrammaticus ‹ Gk epigrammatikós, equiv. to epigrammat- (s. of epígramma) epigram + -ikos-ic]This word is first recorded in the period 1695–1705. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: caisson, chaise, nucleus, vector, veneer-ic is a suffix forming adjectives from other parts of speech, occurring originally inGreek and Latin loanwords (metallic; poetic; archaic; public) and, on this model, used as an adjective-forming suffix with the particular senses“having some characteristics of” (opposed to the simple attributive use of the basenoun) (balletic; sophomoric); “in the style of” (Byronic; Miltonic); “pertaining to a family of peoples or languages” (Finnic; Semitic; Turkic)
Examples of 'epigrammatic' in a sentence
epigrammatic
That, and the envy-inducing smartness of the writing, so polished and sharp, so epigrammatic.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
With its epigrammatic incandescence, it echoes in the mind.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
Even at the age of 20, suave epigrammatic wit shows itself.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Scenes were much reduced in length; dialogue became more epigrammatic.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Her third book is witty, thoughtful, epigrammatic, sometimes scholarly and always passionate.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
The pieces were expertly crafted and shaped with epigrammatic concision (none longer than five minutes).
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Some are witty and epigrammatic, while others poignantly lament the writer's widowhood in unguardedly emotional terms.
The Times Literary Supplement (2015)
His style was concise, spontaneous, epigrammatic.
The Times Literary Supplement (2015)
Synonyms of 'epigrammatic'
witty, pointed, short, sharp
More Synonyms of epigrammatic
(adjective)
Synonyms
witty
one of those genuinely witty speakers to whom one could listen for hours
pointed
short
This is a short note to say thank you.
sharp
a colourless, almost odourless liquid with a sharp, sweetish taste
concise
The text is concise and informative.
pungent
He enjoyed the play's shrewd and pungent social analysis.
terse
He issued a terse statement, saying the decision will be made on Monday.
laconic
Usually so laconic in the office, he seemed more relaxed.
succinct
Make sure your work is accurate, succinct and to the point.
pithy
a pithy comment
piquant
a mixed salad with a piquant dressing
Additional synonyms
in the sense of concise
Definition
brief and to the point
The text is concise and informative.
Synonyms
brief,
short,
to the point,
compact,
summary,
compressed,
condensed,
terse,
laconic,
succinct,
pithy,
synoptic,
epigrammatic,
compendious
in the sense of laconic
Definition
(of a person's speech) using few words
Usually so laconic in the office, he seemed more relaxed.